Girl Scouts goes live with in-person day & overnight camp after unprecedented year of virtual summer camp

Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) recently announced its beloved day and overnight camp programs will be in-person for the 2021 summer camp season for girls after an unprecedented virtual summer camp season.

Summer camp registration is now open for all girls ages 5-17 to register to attend day camp, resident camp, and/or family summer camp options, which follow all COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.

GSWNY said, “With a new series of over 50 outdoor programs for girls, summer camp is a great way for girls to explore leadership, build skills and develop a deep appreciation for nature. Whether for a day, a week, or longer, Girl Scout camp gives girls an opportunity to grow, explore, and have fun in an all-girl environment under the guidance of caring, trained adults.”

GSWNY’s American Camp Association-accredited camps begin in July and run until the beginning of August. Girls do not need to currently be in Girl Scouts to attend camp, as all summer campers can sign up for Girl Scout membership at the time they apply.

Financial aid is available for girls in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties, with special aid for girls in Monroe County through a location-specific grant. The cost of camp varies based on the type of program and length of participation – pricing is available by visiting www.gswny.org or calling 1-888-837-6410.

Also, through funding by the United Way, girls can have “Endless Summer Adventures”:

√ Day Camp will run July 5 to Aug. 13 at Camp Piperwood in Fairport; Camp Windy Meadows in Lockport will run July 5-23.

√ Resident Camp will run July 5 to Aug. 6 at Camp Seven Hills in Holland and Camp Timbercrest in Randolph. In person, girls can explore activities such as hiking, ropes course, backpacking and kayaking, compass/orienteering, knot-tying, building safe fires, tech-building and designing, archery, the importance of bugs, and more.

√ Family Camp will run July 30 to Aug. 1 at Camp Seven Hills in Holland for the 90th anniversary celebration; and July 23-25 at Camp Timbercrest in Randolph for Family Camp Weekend. It’s open to all families to enjoy special event festivities, hiking, swimming, boating and more.

“Girl Scout summer camp is an important part of the Girl Scout experience and we are committed to providing outdoor and summer camp programs for girls and their families if possible,” said Alison Wilcox, GSWNY CEO. “The safety of girls, families, volunteers and staff are our highest priority, while still providing a high-quality camp experience.”

GSWNY has a COVID-19 safety plan in place with stringent procedures including screening and sanitation that all staff and campers must adhere to. All GSWNY protocols follow the guidance set forth by the NYSHD, CDC, WHO and GSUSA, which are monitored and will adjust to any changing regulations as needed.

For busy parents, before- and after-care is also an option. Transportation is available for day camp in Rochester. GSWNY also offers financial aid opportunities.

Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts ages 5-17 can register for Girl Scout summer camp. Non-Girl Scouts will need to enroll in Girl Scouts at the time of camp registration for $25. To learn more about GSWNY summer camp, including a list of all the available camp programs and details regarding the online or paper registration process, pricing, or for girl membership and adult volunteerism, visit www.gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410.

Girl Scouts of Western New York serves nearly 14,000 girls and 6,000 adult volunteers across the GSWNY jurisdiction, including Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties. The council’s administrative service centers are located in Buffalo, Jamestown, Lockport, Niagara Falls and Rochester.

To volunteer, reconnect, donate or join, visit www.gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410.